Michael Brissenden presents AM Monday to Friday from 8:00am on ABC Local Radio and 7:10am on Radio National. Join Elizabeth Jackson for the Saturday edition at 8am on Local Radio and 7am on Radio National.

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Friday 15 November 2002

AM is Australia's most informative morning current affairs. It covers the stories each morning that the other current affairs teams follow for the rest of the day. Below is the program summary with links to transcripts and audio (if available).

Watchdogs under the microscope

Fulfilling a promise made to big business during the election, and just as the government itself is taken to court over aspects of the HIH issue, Canberra has announced a review of corporate regulators and government agencies. The review will be headed by former high-profile company chairman, John Uhrig, and big business is very pleased. But others are far less impressed.

Caltex begins court action against ACCC

Well the ACCC has been at the forefront of the criticism of regulators by big business. Caltex, for one, has accused the Competition and Consumer Commission of serious abuses of process during a raid on the company's premises earlier this year. And yesterday, it launched court action against the ACCC.

Australian weapons inspector heads for Iraq

The chief weapons inspector in the first team to Baghdad is to be an Australian, Defence Research Scientist, Doctor Bill Jolley. But will he be welcomed by Iraq as a neutral expert, preferable to Americans or other westerners?

Iran nervous about Iraq situation

The findings of six Federal MPs, who've just returned from visiting Iran, are instructive. Iran and Iraq have, of course, long been hostile towards each other. On their visit, the MPs received a first-hand account of Middle East concerns about the implications, should there be military action that topples Saddam Hussein.

Israeli military expert urges continued action

As opposed to the views in Iran and Jordan, and elsewhere in the Arab world, the former head of the international terrorism section in Israel's military intelligence apparatus says that those combating terrorism must not be deterred, even by Osama bin Laden's apparent threats.

Israel/ Palestinian conflict: kibbutz killings

The murder of two children and three adults on a kibbutz in Israel this week is threatening to poison decades during which two communities, one Jewish, the other Palestinian, have defied the dominant trend and maintained good relations.

Bali bombsite purification ritual

An elaborate Hindu purification ritual will be held today at the site of the bombings in Bali last month that killed around 180 people. Australian families of the blast victims will join thousands of devout Balinese, who believe that the ceremony is the only way to release the spirits of the dead, and the only way to help the Balinese recover too.

Drought may increase spread of weeds

Australia remains in the grip of drought but farmers are being warned of a new threat that could eventuate when it does finally rain again. Movements of grain and fodder around the country, as part of the process of feeding animals where pastures have vanished, have the potential to transfer weeds and bacteria interstate.

Churches plan for schoolies week

It's a celebration of youth but it's also becoming a battleground for souls. It's "Schoolies week" which sees thousands of east coast school leavers make a pilgrimage to party on the Gold Coast and it begins tonight. This year, church groups are intensifying their efforts to crash what's become Australia's largest party.